The World Cup draw broadcast was a global disaster, filled with embarrassment and sycophancy

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw aired on Friday, and it quickly became clear that viewers had endured one of the most awkward and uncomfortable broadcasts in sports history. Spanning two hours, the show somehow combined empty spectacle with cringe-worthy moments, climaxing in a staged award presentation designed to flatter then-President Donald Trump.

The broadcast opened with hosts Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart, whose lack of chemistry was immediately obvious. Klum tried to steer the event with professionalism, while Hart relied on off-script jokes and self-promotion, including a plug for his Netflix special during the live draw.

Musical performances also disappointed. Instead of showcasing the rich musical traditions of the host nationsthe United States, Canada, and Mexicothe show featured Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger performing a song that failed to resonate, leaving viewers underwhelmed.

Before the actual draw began, attention shifted to a fabricated FIFA Peace Prize given to Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino spent nearly 20 minutes praising Trump, while Trump made exaggerated claims about his role in international conflicts. The trophy itself was awkwardly oversized and visually bizarre. Trumps speech included unrelated commentary about American football and soccer legends, further straining the broadcasts coherence.

The ceremonial draw, featuring Infantino, Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, felt entirely performative, with little meaningful content. Even Trump appeared to mock the proceedings.

Lauryn Hills performance stood out as a rare highlight, executed flawlessly and on time. Conversely, a pre-recorded skit with Rio Ferdinand, Matthew McConaughey, Salma Hayek, and children was awkward and painful to watch, contributing little to the main event.

The actual draw finally began, with Wayne Gretzky struggling to pronounce many countries names, adding unintentional humor to an already bizarre event. The show concluded with a Village People performance, which seemed largely irrelevant to the proceedings and focused more on entertaining Trump than the audience.

Ultimately, the event delivered less than 15 minutes of genuine football content amid nearly two hours of offbeat, unnecessary spectacle. The broadcast left viewers longing for a return to substance over theatrics.

Author: Riley Thompson